½
 

½ 

    


2 In earth science RS provide opportunities not
normally available to geoscientists;
2 Ability to observe reflectance and emittance over a
wide range of wavelengths;
2 The synoptic view of satellite images give a broad-
scale perspective of pattern not discernable with
large-scale, close-up view of ground observation;
2 Integrated signatures formed from information
pertaining to soil, rock, and vegetation can portray
subtle differences in terrain not easily derived from
other sources;
|

 
2 RS cannot replace direct ground observation or data
derived from field and laboratory studies, but form
valuable supplements to more traditional methods;
2 Provide information and perspective not otherwise
available;




ueriving geological information
from photo-interpretation
2 Techniques are direct application of the principles
of image interpretation to geological problems;
2 Image texture, size, shape, tone, shadow etc. are
significant for geologist¶s view of terrain;
2 Photogrammetry have special application for
calculating thickness of beds and determining strike
and dip from aerial photography
|

  
2 ½ithological interpretation is most favorable in arid
and semiarid regions where vegetative cover may
be sparse;
2 The strongest clues of lithological composition in
sedimentary rocks being exposed hillsides or
folding or faulting;
2 Most resistant rocks stand out in relief, while less
resistant beds are lowered by differential erosion;
2 uifferences in image tone may reveal differences
in lithology;
2 Examination of drainage density, pattern, and
vegetation pattern may also provide clues to
lithology, even when beds are not directly
exposed;
|

  
 D


2 Deological materials and processes can directly
influence nutrient availability for plant growth;
2 Soil fertility and plant growth is influenced by
weathering of rocks and mineral ± RS may then
be used to record variations in density, vigor and
kind of plants;
2 Deological processes may concentrate trace
elements in specific region that have been
released by weathering and absorbed by
vegetation;
2 Higher than normal levels of trace elements may
result in abnormal spectral signature;

|

  
2 D

 


- knowledge how geologic material release
elements to the nutrient pool;
- how these elements are absorbed by the soil;
- concentration in plant tissues; and
- how these elements can alter the spectral signature
of plants;
2 Especially valuable in heavily vegetated regions
where soil and rock are not exposed to direct view
of the sensor;
2 Drowth of plants is sensitive to the availability of
major elements (nitrogen [N], phosphorus [P],
potassium [K]) along with micronutrients;

|

  
2 ther elements are known to have toxic effect
even at low concentration e.g. nickel (Ni), copper
(Cu), lead (Pb) etc.
- reveal their presence through stunted growth or
localized absence of specific species;
- may be possible to indirectly use the
concentration of these elements to reveal the
location of specific geological formations or zone
of mineralization worthy of further investigation;

|

  
Source: Campbell, 2001

|

  
 



  the derivation of
topographic information from image brightness;
2 Õariation in image brightness carry information
about slope if an irregular surface of uniform
reflectance is illuminated at an angle;
2 A full image composed of many such pixels
depicts the shape of the terrain;
2 As the angle of illumination change so does the
brightness of the surface;
2 The relationship between brightness and angle
of illumination can be expressed using
½ 


 

|

  
 D(x,y) =  cos `(x,y)
D = image gray tone value;
(x, y) = image pixel row and column coordinates;
 = intensity of solar illumination; and
` = angle of illumination, measured from the zenith;
2 Õaried surface material forming the earth¶s surface
(open water, living vegetation, bare soil etc.)
contribute to the brightness of the image;
2 Therefore different reflectance (R) of varied
surfaces must be factored in the equation;
D = RT
R = reflectivities off different surface materials
T = topographic image i.e. the gray tone portraying
variations in surface slope and orientation;

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